OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Lower than per week earlier than the season opener, quarterback Lamar Jackson was throwing passes on the apply area Monday for the Baltimore Ravens, exhibiting as soon as once more that he is targeted on taking part in for the Ravens this season regardless of no contract extension.
After Monday’s apply, Ravens coach John Harbaugh was requested whether or not there’s ever been a dialogue that Jackson would maintain out and never play this season with out a new deal.
“No,” Harbaugh mentioned earlier than including, “Lamar has mentioned he is targeted on the season, he is beneath contract and he’ll have the most effective season he can have. He is hopeful to get a brand new contract and we’re hopeful to get him a brand new contract. All the remainder of it’s enterprise. There’s nothing apart from coming to one thing that’s mutually agreeable.”
Jackson missed the voluntary exercises this spring for the primary time in his five-year profession, however the former NFL MVP reported on time for coaching camp and did not miss a apply all summer time.
Harbaugh is unaware whether or not talks between the Ravens and Jackson have been suspended. Final month, Jackson mentioned Week 1 could be the cutoff level in negotiations till the top of the common season.
“I haven’t got any updates,” Harbaugh mentioned. “My interactions with Lamar have been all soccer. He is been targeted and locked in on that, 100%, from a soccer standpoint.”
Jackson is among the few gamers within the NFL with out an agent and represents himself. He’s anticipated to speak to reporters on Wednesday.
Neither Jackson nor Ravens officers have ever hinted at any animosity in negotiations, which is why Harbaugh mentioned you do not hear about “conflicting studies.”
“He is hopeful to get a brand new contract; we’re hopeful to get him a brand new contract,” Harbaugh mentioned. “However all the remainder of it’s enterprise. There’s nothing apart from coming to one thing that is mutually agreeable. That is the best way that every one of those offers are carried out. So, clearly, I am very hopeful, and I do know everybody is basically hopeful to get it carried out.”
In March, Deshaun Watson reset the quarterback market when he signed a record-setting five-year, $230 million absolutely assured contract. Shortly afterward, Ravens proprietor Steve Bisciotti acknowledged that Watson’s deal complicates future negotiations with quarterbacks.
The 2 franchise quarterbacks who’ve most not too long ago signed offers since — Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson — each acquired much less assured cash than Watson. Murray acquired $189.5 million assured in July, and Wilson received $165 million assured on Thursday.
Jackson is taking part in on his fifth-year choice, which can pay him $23.016 million this season. If the edges cannot attain a brand new deal by subsequent March, Baltimore must put the franchise tag on Jackson to maintain him from changing into a free agent. Jackson would obtain $45 million beneath the unique tag.
“Being round him right here and likewise being beside him within the locker room, he is calm, cool and picked up,” offensive deal with Morgan Moses mentioned about how Jackson has dealt with the contract talks. “It is no higher feeling than to see your quarterback comes out on daily basis and is keen to work.”
With Jackson, the Ravens have excessive expectations getting into the season. Exterior linebacker Justin Houston even assured a Tremendous Bowl victory.
“I am a giant believer the ability of the tongue communicate life and demise,” mentioned Houston, who’s starting his twelfth NFL season. “So, we’ll get that ring this yr. I am bored with hoping and wishing we’re gong to get it. I will communicate it into existence.”
